U.S. patent application number 12/357480 was filed with the patent office on 2010-03-04 for mobile terminal and method of providing user interface using the same.
Invention is credited to Moosung KIM, Junghun LEE, Yoomee SONG.
Application Number | 20100058211 12/357480 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41727130 |
Filed Date | 2010-03-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100058211 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LEE; Junghun ; et
al. |
March 4, 2010 |
MOBILE TERMINAL AND METHOD OF PROVIDING USER INTERFACE USING THE
SAME
Abstract
A mobile terminal including a display configured to display a
graphical user interface, a user identification unit configured to
connect at least first and second user identification modules to
the mobile terminal, in which the first and second user
identification modules include first and second telephone numbers,
respectively, a memory configured to store at least first and
second user interface information respectively corresponding to the
first and second user identification modules, respectively, and a
controller configured to control the display to display the
graphical user interface using the first user interface information
when the first user identification module is used and to display
the graphical user interface using the second user interface
information when the second user identification module is used.
Inventors: |
LEE; Junghun; (Seoul,
KR) ; KIM; Moosung; (Seoul, KR) ; SONG;
Yoomee; (Seoul, KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BIRCH STEWART KOLASCH & BIRCH
PO BOX 747
FALLS CHURCH
VA
22040-0747
US
|
Family ID: |
41727130 |
Appl. No.: |
12/357480 |
Filed: |
January 22, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
715/764 ;
345/173; 455/566 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/041 20130101;
G06F 1/169 20130101; G06F 3/04886 20130101; G06F 1/1624 20130101;
G06F 1/1643 20130101; G06F 1/1626 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
715/764 ;
455/566; 345/173 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/048 20060101
G06F003/048 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 4, 2008 |
KR |
10-2008-0087172 |
Claims
1. A mobile terminal, comprising: a display configured to display a
graphical user interface; a user identification unit configured to
connect at least first and second user identification modules to
the mobile terminal, said first and second user identification
modules including first and second telephone numbers, respectively;
a memory configured to store at least first and second user
interface information respectively corresponding to said first and
second user identification modules, respectively; and a controller
configured to control the display to display the graphical user
interface using the first user interface information when the first
user identification module is used and to display the graphical
user interface using the second user interface information when the
second user identification module is used.
2. The mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein the first and second
user interface information include different image characteristics
including at least one of a different color, a different
brightness, a different saturation, a different image
characteristic value and a different intensity.
3. The mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein the first and second
user interface information include information corresponding to
different background images.
4. The mobile terminal of claim 3, wherein the different background
images include at least one of still images and moving images.
5. The mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein the first and second
user interface information include different audio outputting
profiles for outputting different audio data.
6. The mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein the first and second
user interface information include different text characteristics
including at least one of a different font and a different
color.
7. The mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein the memory is further
configured to store at least one indicator item indicating a
corresponding function of the mobile terminal, and wherein the
controller is further configured to control the display to display
the at least one indicator item on the graphical user interface
using the first user interface information when the corresponding
function of the mobile terminal corresponds to a function for the
first user interface module, and to display the at least one
indicator item on the graphical user interface using the second
user interface information when the corresponding function of the
mobile terminal corresponds to a function for the second user
interface module.
8. The mobile terminal of claim 7, wherein the corresponding
function is at least one of a file function, a phonebook function,
a call history function and a message function.
9. The mobile terminal of claim 7, wherein the at least one
indicator item includes at least one of a menu and an icon.
10. The mobile terminal of claim 1, further comprising: an input
unit configured to select characteristics of the first user
information for the first user identification module and to select
characteristics of the second user information for the second
identification module.
11. A method of controlling a mobile terminal, the method
comprising: connecting at least first and second user
identification modules to the mobile terminal, said first and
second user identification modules including first and second
telephone numbers, respectively; storing at least first and second
user interface information respectively corresponding to said first
and second user identification modules, respectively; and
displaying a graphical user interface using the first user
interface information when the first user identification module is
used and displaying the graphical user interface using the second
user interface information when the second user identification
module is used.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the first and second user
interface information include different image characteristics
including at least one of a different color, a different
brightness, a different saturation, a different image
characteristic value and a different intensity.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein the first and second user
interface information include information corresponding to
different background images.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the different background images
include at least one of still images and moving images.
15. The method of claim 11, wherein the first and second user
interface information include different audio outputting profiles
for outputting different audio data.
16. The method of claim 11, wherein the first and second user
interface information include different text characteristics
including at least one of a different font and a different
color.
17. The method of claim 11, further comprising: storing at least
one indicator item indicating a corresponding function of the
mobile terminal; and displaying the at least one indicator item on
the graphical user interface using the first user interface
information when the corresponding function of the mobile terminal
corresponds to a function for the first user interface module, and
displaying the at least one indicator item on the graphical user
interface using the second user interface information when the
corresponding function of the mobile terminal corresponds to a
function for the second user interface module.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the corresponding function is
at least one of a file function, a phonebook function, a call
history function and a message function.
19. The method of claim 17, wherein the at least one indicator item
includes at least one of a menu and an icon.
20. The method of claim 11, further comprising: selecting
characteristics of the first user information for the first user
identification module and selecting characteristics of the second
user information for the second identification module.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO A RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This nonprovisional application claims priority under 35
U.S.C. .sctn.119(a) to Korean Patent Application No.
10-2008-0087172 filed in the Republic of Korea on Sep. 4, 2008, the
entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a mobile terminal and
corresponding method of providing different user interfaces for
different user identification modules.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Terminals such as personal computers, laptop computers,
cellular phones and the like are diversified and function as a
multimedia player having multiple functions of capturing pictures
or moving images, playing music, moving image files and games, and
receiving broadcasting programs.
[0006] In addition, terminals can be divided into mobile terminals
and stationary terminals. Mobile terminals are classified into
handheld terminals and vehicle mounted terminals. In addition,
because the terminal provides a plurality of different functions,
the terminal includes a user interface (UI) that allow the user to
operate the terminal.
[0007] However, because the mobile terminal generally has a small
screen, the UI is also small in size and thus it is difficult to
select or activate different functions provided on the
terminal.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to
address the above-noted and other drawbacks of the related art.
[0009] Another object of the present invention to provide a mobile
terminal and corresponding method of providing different user
interfaces to a plurality of user identification modules such that
a user can easily recognize a user identification module related to
a currently provided function and/or item.
[0010] Yet another object of the present invention to provide a
mobile terminal and corresponding method of allowing a user to set
a specific user interface for a specific user identification
module.
[0011] To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with
the purpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly
described herein, the present invention provides in one aspect a
mobile terminal capable of mounting a plurality of user
identification modules storing different telephone numbers therein,
and which includes a memory storing a plurality of pieces of user
interface information respectively corresponding to the plurality
of user identification modules and a plurality of items
respectively related to a plurality of functions provided by the
mobile terminal, and a controller providing at least one of the
plurality of items together with a user interface according to the
user interface information corresponding to the user identification
module related to the at least one item among the plurality of user
identification module.
[0012] Further, the plurality of pieces of user interface
information may include information on image characteristic
including at least one of a color, a brightness, a saturation, a
value and an intensity, information on background images displaying
at least one of still images and moving images, and information on
audio profiles outputting audio data or may include information on
text characteristics including at least one of font and color.
[0013] Also, at least one of the plurality of pieces of user
interface information and corresponding relationship between the
plurality of pieces of user interface information and the plurality
of user identification modules may be set or changed by a user.
[0014] According to another aspect, the present invention provides
a method of providing a user interface in a mobile terminal capable
of mounting a plurality of user identification modules therein. The
method includes enabling a first function provided by the mobile
terminal, and providing at least one item related to the first
function together with a user interface according to user interface
information corresponding to the user identification module related
to the ate least one item among the plurality of user
identification modules. Further, a plurality of pieces of user
interface information respectively correspond to the plurality of
user identification modules.
[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a user
can easily recognize a related user identification module according
to the attribute of a user interface provided together with a
currently provided function and/or item. Furthermore, the user can
set a specific user interface for a specific user identification
module.
[0016] In still another aspect, the present invention provides a
mobile terminal including a display configured to display a
graphical user interface, a user identification unit configured to
connect at least first and second user identification modules to
the mobile terminal, the first and second user identification
modules including first and second telephone numbers, respectively,
a memory configured to store at least first and second user
interface information respectively corresponding to the first and
second user identification modules, respectively, and a controller
configured to control the display to display the graphical user
interface using the first user interface information when the first
user identification module is used and to display the graphical
user interface using the second user interface information when the
second user identification module is used.
[0017] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a
method of controlling a mobile terminal, and which includes
connecting at least first and second user identification modules to
the mobile terminal, in which the first and second user
identification modules including first and second telephone
numbers, respectively, storing at least first and second user
interface information respectively corresponding to said first and
second user identification modules, respectively, and displaying a
graphical user interface using the first user interface information
when the first user identification module is used and displaying
the graphical user interface using the second user interface
information when the second user identification module is used.
[0018] Further scope of applicability of the present invention will
become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter.
However, it should be understood that the detailed description and
specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the
invention, are given by illustration only, since various changes
and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will
become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed
description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a
further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiment(s) of
the invention and together with the description serve to explain
the principle of the invention. In the drawings:
[0020] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a mobile terminal
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 2a is a front perspective view illustrating a handheld
terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 2b is a rear perspective view illustrating the handheld
terminal shown in FIG. 2A according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0023] FIGS. 3a and 3b are front views illustrating a handheld
terminal for explaining an operation of the handheld terminal
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 4 is a conceptional view for explaining a proximity
depth of a proximity sensor;
[0025] FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating a method of providing a
user interface in a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of
the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 6 is an overview of display screens illustrating a user
setting user interface information for a first SIM according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 7 is an overview of display screens illustrating a user
setting user interface information for a first SIM according to
another embodiment of the present invention;
[0028] FIGS. 8a, 8b and 8c are overviews of display screens
illustrating examples of discriminating user identification modules
from each other according to image characteristic according to an
embodiment of the present invention; and
[0029] FIGS. 9a and 9b are overviews of display screens
illustrating examples of discriminating user identification modules
from each other according to background images according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0030] The present invention will now be described more fully with
reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary
embodiments of the invention are shown. The invention may, however,
be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as
being limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, the
embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough
and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the invention to
those skilled in the art.
[0031] The mobile terminal described in the specification can
include a cellular phone, a smart phone, a laptop computer, a
digital broadcasting terminal, personal digital assistants (PDA), a
portable multimedia player (PMP), a navigation system and so
on.
[0032] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal 100 according
to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the mobile
terminal 100 includes a radio communication unit 110, an
audio/video (A/V) input unit 120, a user input unit 130, a sensing
unit 140, an output unit 150, a memory 160, an interface 170, a
controller 180, and a power supply 190.
[0033] In addition, the radio communication unit 110 includes at
least one module that enables radio communication between the
mobile terminal 100 and a radio communication system or between the
mobile terminal 100 and a network in which the mobile terminal 100
is located. For example, the radio communication unit 110 includes
a broadcasting receiving module 111, a mobile communication module
112, a wireless Internet module 113, a local area communication
module 114 and a position information module 115.
[0034] The broadcasting receiving module 111 receives broadcasting
signals and/or broadcasting related information from an external
broadcasting management server through a broadcasting channel.
Also, the broadcasting channel can include a satellite channel and
a terrestrial channel, and the broadcasting management server can
be a server that generates and transmits broadcasting signals
and/or broadcasting related information or a server that receives
previously created broadcasting signals and/or broadcasting related
information and transmits the broadcasting signals and/or
broadcasting related information to a terminal.
[0035] Further, the broadcasting signals can include not only TV
broadcasting signals, radio broadcasting signals and data
broadcasting signals, but also signals in the form of a combination
of a TV broadcasting signal and a radio broadcasting signal. In
addition, the broadcasting related information can be information
on a broadcasting channel, a broadcasting program or a broadcasting
service provider, and can be provided even through a mobile
communication network. In the latter case, the broadcasting related
information can be received by the mobile communication module
112.
[0036] Also, the broadcasting related information can exist in
various forms. For example, the broadcasting related information
can exist in the form of an electronic program guide (EPG) of the
digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB) system or in the form of an
electronic service guide (ESG) of the digital video
broadcast-handheld (DVB-H) system.
[0037] In addition, the broadcasting receiving module 111 receives
broadcasting signals using various broadcasting systems.
Particularly, the broadcasting receiving module 111 can receive
digital broadcasting signals using digital broadcasting systems
such as the digital multimedia broadcasting-terrestrial (DMB-T)
system, the digital multimedia broadcasting-satellite (DMB-S)
system, the media forward link only (MediaFLO) system, the DVB-H
and integrated services digital broadcast-terrestrial (ISDB-T)
systems, etc. The broadcasting receiving module 111 can also be
constructed to be suited to broadcasting systems providing
broadcasting signals other than the above-described digital
broadcasting systems.
[0038] Further, the broadcasting signals and/or broadcasting
related information received through the broadcasting receiving
module 111 can be stored in the memory 160. The mobile
communication module 112 transmits/receives a radio signal to/from
at least one of a base station, an external terminal and a server
on a mobile communication network. The radio signal can include a
voice call signal, a video telephony call signal or data in various
forms according to transmission and reception of text/multimedia
messages.
[0039] In addition, the wireless Internet module 113 corresponds to
a module for wireless Internet access and can be included in the
mobile terminal 100 or externally attached to the mobile terminal
100. A wireless LAN (WLAN) (Wi-Fi), wireless broadband (Wibro),
world interoperability for microwave access (Wimax), high speed
downlink packet access (HSDPA) and so on can be used as a wireless
Internet technique.
[0040] Also, the local area communication module 114 corresponds to
a module for local area communication. Further, bluetooth, radio
frequency identification (RFID), infrared data association (IrDA),
ultra wideband (UWB) and ZigBee can be used as a local area
communication technique.
[0041] The position information module 115 confirms or obtains the
position of the mobile terminal. In more detail, a global
positioning system (GPS) module is a representative example of the
position information module 115. In addition, the GPS module 115
can calculate information on distances between one point or object
and at least three satellites and information on the time when the
distance information is measured and apply trigonometry to the
obtained distance information to obtain three-dimensional position
information on the point or object according to the latitude,
longitude and altitude at a predetermined time.
[0042] Furthermore, a method of calculating position and time
information using three satellites and correcting the calculated
position and time information using another satellite can also
used. In addition, the GPS module 115 continuously calculates the
current position in real time and calculates velocity information
using the position information.
[0043] Referring to FIG. 1, the A/V input unit 120 is used to input
an audio signal or a video signal and includes a camera 121 and a
microphone 122. The camera 121 processes image frames of still
images or moving images obtained by an image sensor in a video
telephony mode or a photographing mode. Further, the processed
image frames can be displayed on a display unit 151.
[0044] Also, the image frames processed by the camera 121 can be
stored in the memory 160 or transmitted to an external device
through the radio communication unit 110. The mobile terminal 100
can also include at least two cameras. The microphone 122 receives
an external audio signal in a call mode, a recording mode or a
speed recognition mode and processes the received audio signal into
electric audio data.
[0045] The audio data can then be converted into a form that can be
transmitted to a mobile communication base station through the
mobile communication module 112 and output in the call mode.
Further, the microphone 122 can employ various noise removal
algorithms for removing noise generated when the external audio
signal is received.
[0046] In addition, the user input unit 130 receives input data for
controlling the operation of the terminal from a user. The user
input unit 130 can include a keypad, a dome switch, a touch pad
(constant voltage/capacitance), jog wheel, jog switch and so
on.
[0047] Also, the sensing unit 140 senses the current state of the
mobile terminal 100, such as an open/close state of the mobile
terminal 100, the position of the mobile terminal 100, whether a
user touches the mobile terminal 100, the direction of the mobile
terminal 100 and the acceleration/deceleration of the mobile
terminal 100, and generates a sensing signal for controlling the
operation of the mobile terminal 100.
[0048] For example, the sensing unit 140 can sense whether a slide
phone is opened or closed when the mobile terminal 100 is the slide
phone. Furthermore, the sensing unit 140 can sense whether the
power supply 190 supplies power and whether the interface 170 is
connected to an external device. The sensing unit 140 can also
include a proximity sensor.
[0049] In addition, the output unit 150 generates visual, auditory
or tactile output and can include the display unit 151, an audio
output module 152, an alarm 153 and a haptic module 154. Further,
the display unit 151 displays information processed by the mobile
terminal 100. For example, the display unit 151 displays a user
interface (UI) or graphic user interface (GUI) related to a
telephone call when the mobile terminal is in the call mode. The
display unit 151 also displays a captured or/and received image, UI
or GUI when the mobile terminal 100 is in the video telephony mode
or the photographing mode.
[0050] In addition, the display unit 151 can include at least one
of a liquid crystal display, a thin film transistor liquid crystal
display, an organic light-emitting diode display, a flexible
display and a three-dimensional display. Further, some of these
displays can be of a transparent type or a light transmission type.
That is, the display unit 151 can include a transparent
display.
[0051] In more detail, the transparent display includes a
transparent liquid crystal display. Further, the rear structure of
the display unit 151 can also be of the light transmission type.
Accordingly, a user can see an object located behind the body of
the mobile terminal 100 through the transparent area of the body of
the mobile terminal 100, which is occupied by the display unit
151.
[0052] The mobile terminal 100 can also include at least two
display units 151. For example, the mobile terminal 100 can include
a plurality of displays that are arranged on a single face at a
predetermined distance or integrated displays. The plurality of
displays can also be arranged on different sides.
[0053] In addition, when the display unit 151 and a sensor sensing
touch (referred to as a touch sensor hereinafter) form a layered
structure, which is referred to as a touch screen hereinafter, the
display unit 151 can be used as an input device in addition to an
output device. The touch sensor can be in the form of a touch film,
a touch sheet and a touch pad, for example.
[0054] Further, the touch sensor can be constructed to convert a
variation in pressure applied to a specific portion of the display
unit 151 or a variation in capacitance generated at a specific
portion of the display unit 151 into an electric input signal. The
touch sensor can also be constructed to sense pressure of touch as
well as the position and area of the touch.
[0055] Also, when the user applies touch input to the touch sensor,
a signal corresponding to the touch input is transmitted to a touch
controller. The touch controller then processes the signal and
transmits data corresponding to the processed signal to the
controller 180. Accordingly, the controller 180 can detect a
touched portion of the display 151.
[0056] Referring to FIG. 1, the proximity sensor of the sensing
unit 140 can be located in an internal region of the mobile
terminal, surrounded by the touch screen, or near the touch screen.
The proximity sensor senses an object approaching a predetermined
sensing face or an object located near the proximity sensor using
an electromagnetic force or infrared rays without having mechanical
contact. Further, the proximity sensor has lifetime longer than
that of a contact sensor and thus has a wide application in the
mobile terminal 100.
[0057] In addition, the proximity sensor includes a transmission
type photo-electric sensor, a direct reflection type photo-electric
sensor, a mirror reflection type photo-electric sensor, a
high-frequency oscillating proximity sensor, a capacitive proximity
sensor, a magnetic proximity sensor, an infrared proximity sensor,
etc. Further, a capacitive touch screen is constructed such that
proximity of a pointer is detected through a variation in an
electric field according to the proximity of the pointer. In this
instance, the touch screen (touch sensor) can be classified as a
proximity sensor.
[0058] For convenience of explanation, the action of the pointer
approaching the touch screen without actually touching the touch
screen is referred to as "proximity touch" and an action of
bringing the pointer into contact with the touch screen is referred
to as "contact touch" in the following description. In addition,
the proximity touch point of the pointer on the touch screen
corresponds to a point of the touch screen to which the pointer
touches the touch screen.
[0059] Further, the proximity sensor senses the proximity touch and
a proximity touch pattern (for example, a proximity touch distance,
a proximity touch direction, a proximity touch velocity, a
proximity touch time, a proximity touch position, a proximity touch
moving state, etc.). Information corresponding to the sensed
proximity touch action and proximity touch pattern can then be
displayed on the touch screen.
[0060] Also, the audio output module 152 can output audio data
received from the radio communication unit 110 or stored in the
memory 160 in a call signal receiving mode, a telephone call mode
or a recording mode, a speech recognition mode and a broadcasting
receiving mode. Further, the audio output module 152 outputs audio
signals related to functions (for example, a call signal incoming
tone, a message incoming tone, etc.) performed in the mobile
terminal 100. The audio output module 152 can include a receiver, a
speaker, a buzzer, etc.
[0061] In addition, the alarm 153 outputs a signal for indicating
the generation of an event of the mobile terminal 100. For example,
alarms can be generated when receiving a call signal, receiving a
message, inputting a key signal, inputting touch, etc. The alarm
153 can also output signals in forms different from video signals
or audio signals, for example, a signal for indicating generation
of an event through vibration. The video signals or the audio
signals can be also output through the display unit 151 or the
audio output module 152.
[0062] Also, the haptic module 154 generates various haptic effects
that the user can feel. One representative example of the haptic
effects is vibration. The intensity and pattern of vibration
generated by the haptic module 154 can also be controlled. For
example, different vibrations can be combined and output or can be
sequentially output.
[0063] Further, the haptic module 154 can generate a variety of
haptic effects including an effect of stimulus according to
arrangement of pins vertically moving against a contact skin
surface, an effect of stimulus according to a jet force or sucking
force of air through a jet hole or a sucking hole, an effect of
stimulus of rubbing the skin, an effect of stimulus according to
contact of an electrode, an effect of stimulus using an
electrostatic force, and an effect according to a reproduction of
cold and warmth using an element capable of absorbing or radiating
heat in addition to vibrations.
[0064] The haptic module 154 can also not only transmit haptic
effects through direct contact but also allow the user to feel
haptic effects through a kinesthetic sense of the user's fingers or
arms. The mobile terminal 100 can also include multiple haptic
modules 154.
[0065] In addition, the memory 160 can store a program for the
operation of the controller 180 and temporarily store input/output
data (for example, phone book, messages, still images, moving
images, etc.). The memory 160 can also store data about vibrations
and sounds in various patterns, which are output from when a touch
input is applied to the touch screen.
[0066] Further, the memory 160 can include at least one of a flash
memory, a hard disk type memory, a multimedia card micro type
memory, a card type memory (for example, SD or XD memory), a random
access memory (RAM), a static RAM (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM),
an electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), a programmable
ROM (PROM) magnetic memory, a magnetic disk and an optical disk.
The mobile terminal 100 can also operate in relation to a web
storage performing the storing function of the memory 160 on the
Internet.
[0067] The interface 170 serves as a path to external devices
connected to the mobile terminal 100. Further, the interface 170
receives data from the external devices or power and transmits the
data or power to the internal components of the mobile terminal 100
or transmits data of the mobile terminal 100 to the external
devices. Also, the interface 170 can include a wired/wireless
headset port, an external charger port, a wired/wireless data port,
a memory card port, a port for connecting a device having a user
identification module, an audio I/O port, a video I/O port, an
earphone port, etc., for example.
[0068] In addition, the interface 170 can also interface with a
user identification module that is a chip that stores information
for authenticating the authority to use the mobile terminal 100.
For example, the user identification module can be a user identify
module (UIM), a subscriber identify module (SIM) and a universal
subscriber identify module (USIM). An identification device
including the user identification module can also be manufactured
in the form of a smart card. Accordingly, the identification device
can be connected to the mobile terminal 100 through a port of the
interface 170.
[0069] The interface 170 can also be a path through which power
from an external cradle is provided to the mobile terminal 100 when
the mobile terminal 100 is connected to the external cradle or a
path through which various command signals input by the user
through the cradle are transmitted to the mobile terminal 100. The
various command signals or power input from the cradle can be used
as signals for confirming whether the mobile terminal is correctly
set in the cradle.
[0070] In addition, the controller 180 controls the overall
operations of the mobile terminal. For example, the controller 180
performs control and processing for voice communication, data
communication and video telephony. As shown in FIG. 1, the
controller 180 also includes a multimedia module 181 for playing
multimedia. Also, the multimedia module 181 can be included in the
controller 180 as shown in FIG. 1 or can be separated from the
controller 180.
[0071] Further, the controller 180 can perform a pattern
recognition process capable of recognizing handwriting input or
picture-drawing input applied to the touch screen as characters or
images. In addition, the power supply 190 receives external power
and internal power and provides power required for the operations
of the components of the mobile terminal under the control of the
controller 180.
[0072] In addition, various embodiments of the present invention
can be implemented in a computer or similar device readable
recording medium using software, hardware or a combination thereof,
for example.
[0073] According to a hardware implementation, the embodiments of
the present invention can be implemented using at least one of
application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal
processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs),
programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays
(FPGAs), processors, controllers, micro-controllers,
microprocessors, electrical units for executing functions. In some
cases, the embodiments can be implemented by the controller
180.
[0074] According to a software implementation, embodiments such as
procedures or functions can be implemented with a separate software
module executing at least one function or operation. Software codes
can be implemented according to a software application written in
an appropriate software language. Furthermore, the software codes
can be stored in the memory 160 and executed by the controller
180.
[0075] Next, FIG. 2a is a front perspective view of a mobile
terminal or a handheld terminal 100 according to an embodiment of
the present invention. In this example, the handheld terminal 100
is a bar type terminal body. However, the present invention is not
limited to a bar type terminal and can be applied to terminals of
various types including slide type, folder type, swing type and
swivel type terminals.
[0076] In addition, the terminal body includes a case (a casing, a
housing, a cover, etc.) forming the exterior of the terminal 100.
In the present embodiment, the case is divided into a front case
101 and a rear case 102. Further, various electronic components are
arranged in the space formed between the front case 101 and the
rear case 102. At least one middle case can also be additionally
arranged between the front case 101 and the rear case 102. Also,
the cases can be formed of plastics through injection molding or
made of a metal material such as stainless steel (STS) or titanium
(Ti).
[0077] As shown in FIG. 2a, the display unit 151, the audio output
unit 152, the camera 121, a user input unit 131 and 132, the
microphone 122 and the interface 170 are arranged in the terminal
body, specifically, in the front case 101. In addition, the display
unit 151 occupies most of the main face of the front case 101.
[0078] Further, the audio output unit 152 and the camera 121 are
arranged in a region in proximity to one of both ends of the
display unit 151. Also, the user input unit 131 and the microphone
122 are located in a region in proximity to the other end of the
display unit 151. Also include is another user input unit 132,
which is arranged with the interface 170 on the sides of the front
case 101 and the rear case 102.
[0079] Thus, in this embodiment, the user input unit 130 includes
multiple operating units 131 and 132 that are operated to receive
commands for controlling the operation of the handheld terminal
100. Further, the operating units 131 and 132 can be referred to as
manipulating portions and employ any tactile manner in which a user
operates the operating units 131 and 132 while producing a tactile
feeling.
[0080] Also, the operating units 131 and 132 can receive various
inputs. For example, the operating unit 131 receives commands such
as start and end a call, and the operating unit 132 receives
commands such as to control the volume of the sound output from the
audio output unit 152 or to convert the display unit 151 into a
touch recognition mode.
[0081] Next, FIG. 2b is a rear perspective view of the handheld
terminal shown in FIG. 2a according to an embodiment of the present
invention. As shown in FIG. 2b, a camera 121' is additionally
attached to the rear side of the terminal body, that is, the rear
case 102. In this configuration, the camera 121' has a
photographing direction that is opposite to that of the camera 121
shown in FIG. 2a and can have pixels different from those of the
camera 121 shown in FIG. 2a.
[0082] For example, in one example, it is preferable that the
camera 121 has low pixels such that it can capture an image of the
face of a user and transmit the image to a receiving part during
video telephony while the camera 121' has high pixels such that it
can capture an image of a general object and does not immediately
transmit the image in many situations. The cameras 121 and 121' can
also be attached to the terminal body such that they can be rotated
or popped-up.
[0083] As shown in FIG. 2b, a flash bulb 123 and a mirror 124 are
additionally arranged in proximity to the camera 121'. The flash
bulb 123 lights an object when the camera 121' takes a picture of
the object, and the mirror 124 is used for the user to look at his
or her face when the user wants to take a picture of themselves
using the camera 121'.
[0084] An audio output unit 152' is also additionally provided on
the rear side of the terminal body. In this embodiment, the audio
output unit 152' can achieve a stereo function with the audio
output unit 152 shown in FIG. 2a and be used in a speaker phone
mode when the terminal is used for a telephone call.
[0085] A broadcasting signal receiving antenna can also be
additionally attached to a side of the terminal body in addition to
an antenna for telephone calls. The antenna forming a part of the
broadcasting receiving module 111 shown in FIG. 1 can be set in the
terminal body such that the antenna can be pulled out of the
terminal body.
[0086] In addition, the power supply 190 for providing power to the
handheld terminal 100 is set in the terminal body, and can be
included in the terminal body or detachably attached to the
terminal body. FIG. 2b also illustrates a touch pad 135 for sensing
touch additionally attached to the rear case 102 of the terminal
100. Further, the touch pad 135 can be a light transmission type as
the display module 151. In this instance, when the display module
151 outputs visual information through both sides, the visual
information can be recognized through the touch pad 135.
[0087] Also, the information output through both sides of the
display module 151 can be controlled by the touch pad 135. In
addition, a display can be additionally attached to the touch pad
135 such that a touch screen can be arranged even in the rear case
102. Further, the touch pad 135 operates in connection with the
display module 151 of the front case 101, and can be located in
parallel with the display module 151 behind the display module 151.
The touch panel 135 can also be identical to or smaller than the
display unit 151 in size.
[0088] The interoperations of the display unit 151 and the touch
pad 135 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 3a and 3b. In
more detail, FIGS. 3a and 3b are front views of the handheld
terminal 100 and are used for explaining an operating state of the
handheld terminal according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0089] The display module 151 can display various types of visual
information in the form of characters, numerals, symbols, graphic
or icons. To input the information, at least one of the characters,
numerals, symbols, graphic and icons are displayed in predetermined
arrangement in the form of a keypad. Also, the keypad can be
referred to as a `soft key`.
[0090] Further, FIG. 3a shows that touch applied to a soft key is
input through the front side of the terminal body. The display
module 151 can be a single area or can be divided into a plurality
of regions. In the latter instance, the display unit 151 is
constructed such that the plurality of regions interoperate with
each other.
[0091] For example, and as shown in FIG. 3a, an output region 151a
and an input region 151b are respectively displayed in upper and
lower parts of the display module 151. The input region 151b
displays soft keys 151c that represent numerals used to input
numbers such as telephone numbers. Thus, when a soft key 151c is
touched, a numeral corresponding to the touched soft key is
displayed on the output region 151a. Further, when the user
operates the first operating unit 116, a connection of a call
corresponding to a telephone number displayed on the output region
151a is attempted.
[0092] Next, FIG. 3b is an overview of the mobile terminal 100
showing that touch applied to soft keys is input through the rear
side of the terminal body. FIG. 3b also shows the landscape of the
terminal body while FIG. 3a shows the portrait of the terminal
body. In addition, the display unit 151 is constructed such that an
output image is converted according to the direction in which the
terminal body is located.
[0093] Further, FIG. 3b shows the operation of the handheld
terminal in a text input mode. As shown, the display unit 151
includes a touch pad display 135 having an output region 135a and
an input region 135b. A plurality of soft keys 135c indicating at
least one of characters, symbols and numerals are also arranged in
the input region 135b. Further, in this embodiment, the soft keys
135c are arranged in the form of QWERTY keys.
[0094] Thus, when the soft keys 135c are touched through the touch
pad 135, the characters, numerals and symbols corresponding to the
touched soft keys 135c are displayed on the output region 135a.
Touch input through the touch pad 135 can prevent the soft keys
135c from being covered with user's fingers when the soft keys 135c
are touched as compared to touch input through the display unit
151. Further, when the display unit 151 and the touch pad 135 are
transparent, the user can see his or her fingers located behind the
terminal body, and thus can select items by touching the backside
or surface of the displayed keys 135c.
[0095] In addition, the user can scroll the display unit 151 or the
touch pad 135 to move an object displayed on the display unit 151,
for example, by using a cursor or a pointer located on an icon.
Also, when the user moves his or her finger on the display unit 151
or the touch pad 135, the controller 180 can visually display the
user's finger moving path on the display unit 151. This is useful
to edit an image displayed on the display unit 151.
[0096] Also, when the display unit 151 (touch screen) and the touch
pad 135 are simultaneously touched within a predetermined period of
time, a specific function of the terminal can be executed. For
example, the user can clamp the terminal body using their thumb and
index finger. This specific function can include activating or
deactivating the display unit 151 or the touch pad 135, for
example.
[0097] The proximity sensor described with reference to FIG. 1 will
now be explained in more detail with reference to FIG. 4. That is,
FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram used for explaining a proximity
depth of the proximity sensor. As shown in FIG. 4, when a pointer
such as a user's finger approaches the touch screen, the proximity
sensor located inside or near the touch screen senses the approach
and outputs a proximity signal. Further, the proximity sensor can
be constructed such that it outputs a proximity signal according to
the distance between the pointer approaching the touch screen and
the touch screen (referred to as "proximity depth").
[0098] Also, the distance in which the proximity signal is output
when the pointer approaches the touch screen is referred to as a
detection distance. The proximity depth can be determined using a
plurality of proximity sensors having different detection distances
and comparing proximity signals respectively output from the
proximity sensors.
[0099] FIG. 4 shows the section of the touch screen in which
proximity sensors capable of sensing three proximity depths are
arranged. Of course, proximity sensors capable of sensing less than
three or more than three proximity depths can be arranged in the
touch screen.
[0100] Thus, as shown in FIG. 4, when the pointer (user's finger in
this example) completely comes into contact with the touch screen
(D0), the controller 180 recognizes this action as the contact
touch. When the pointer is located within a distance D1 from the
touch screen, the controller 180 recognizes this action as a
proximity touch of a first proximity depth.
[0101] Similarly, when the pointer is located in a range between
the distance D1 and a distance D2 from the touch screen, the
controller 180 recognizes this action as a proximity touch of a
second proximity depth. When the pointer is located in a range
between the distance D2 and a distance D3 from the touch screen,
the controller 180 recognizes this action a proximity touch of a
third proximity depth. Also, when the pointer is located at longer
than the distance D3 from the touch screen, the controller 180
recognizes this action as a cancellation of proximity touch.
[0102] Accordingly, the controller 180 can recognize the proximity
touch as various input signals according to the proximity distance
and proximity position of the pointer with respect to the touch
screen and perform various operations according to the input
signals.
[0103] In addition, the mobile terminal 100 according to an
embodiment of the present invention can include multiple subscriber
identify module (SIM) cards. Thus, the user can use different SIM
cards, each having a different phone number, to perform different
functions on a single terminal.
[0104] As mentioned above, the user identification modules can
include at least one of UIMS, SIMs and USIMS. In the present
description, the mobile terminal 100 is assumed to have the first
SIM 171 and the second SIM 172 as the plurality of user
identification modules, as shown in FIG. 1.
[0105] In addition, the memory 160 stores a plurality of pieces of
user interface information, which respectively correspond to the
plurality of user identification modules. The memory 160 can also
store a database including a corresponding relationship between the
user interface information and the user identification modules. The
corresponding relationship can also be set or changed by a user.
Thus, the mobile terminal 100 according to an embodiment of the
present invention can display different user interfaces for
different SIM cards, making it easy for the user to clearly see
what SIM card is currently being used (or what SIM card is
currently not being used).
[0106] In more detail, FIG. 5 is a flow chart of a method of
providing a user interface in a mobile terminal according to a
first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 will also be
referred to throughout the rest of the description of the present
invention. As shown in FIG. 5, the controller 180 enables a first
function (step S100).
[0107] The first function can be any one of various functions
provided by the mobile terminal 100. In addition, the first
function can be enabled according to judgment of the controller 180
or executed based on a user inputting a command or other
information into the terminal using the user input unit 130.
[0108] For example, when a call is received through the mobile
communication module 112, the controller 180 can execute a first
function corresponding to informing the user of the incoming call.
Further, the controller 180 can perform a function of displaying a
phonebook on the display unit 151 according to a command signal
received through the user input unit 130. The first function
enabled in step S100 can also be a plurality of functions including
the first function.
[0109] The controller 180 then determines at least one item which
will be provided in connection with the first function (step S110).
For example, when a text message (e.g., SMS message) is received
through the mobile communication module 112, the controller 180
determines what icon to use for informing the user about the
received text message, and displays the determined icon on the
display unit 151.
[0110] Next, the controller 180 determines a user identification
module related to the first function or the at least one item (step
S120). For example, when a SMS is received corresponding to the
telephone number stored in the first SIM 171, the controller 180
determines the first SIM 171 as the user identification module
related to the at least one item determined in the step S110.
[0111] The controller 180 then searches for user interface
information corresponding to the user identification module
determined in the step S120 with reference to the memory 160 (step
S130). For example, the user interface information corresponding to
the first SIM 171 can be color information corresponding to the
color red.
[0112] The controller 180 then provides the at least one item and
user interface according to the searched user interface information
(step S140). For example, the controller 180 can display a mail
icon in the color red on the display unit 151 to inform the user
that the SMS message sent to the recipient corresponding to the
telephone number stored in the first SIM 161 is received.
[0113] Furthermore, when another SMS message sent to a recipient
corresponding to the telephone number stored in the second SIM 172
is received, the controller 180 can display the mail icon in the
color yellow on the display unit 151.
[0114] The controller 180 can also apply the user interface to the
at least one item or provide the user interface independently of
the at least one item according to the corresponding user interface
information in step S140. For example, when the user interface
information corresponds to an audio profile, an audio user
interface can be provided independently of the at least one
item.
[0115] Next, FIG. 6 is an overview of display screens showing a
user setting user interface information with respect to the first
SIM 171. In more detail, FIG. 6(a) illustrates a displays screen
S150 that displays information 201 and 202 corresponding to the
first SIM 171. The the reference numeral 201 denotes the telephone
number of the first SIM 171, and reference numeral 202 represents
that the currently selected user identification module is the first
SIM 171. The display screen S150 also includes reference numeral
203 denoting an item to which the user interface information will
be applied and reference numeral 174 representing currently
selected color information.
[0116] In addition, when the user touches the region corresponding
to the reference numeral 204 in FIG. 6(a), the controller 180
controls the display 151 to display a display screen S160 as shown
in FIG. 6(b). The user can then select a different color for the
first SIM 171 via the display screen S160. In more detail, when the
user selects the color "pink" in the display screen S160, the color
information on the first SIM 171 is set to "pink" as shown in the
display screen S150 in FIG. 6(a).
[0117] Then, the color "pink" becomes the user interface
information corresponding to the first SIM 171. The controller 180
also sets the color "pink" as the user interface information
corresponding to the first SIM 171 for the item 203 corresponding
to "HOME" and stores the user interface information in the memory
160. Then, the controller 180 displays items, data and menus
related to the first SIM 171 in the color "pink" when the item 203
corresponding to "HOME" is displayed on the display unit 151.
[0118] In addition, the user interface information can be applied
to only a specific item such as "HOME" as shown in FIG. 6, or can
be applied to all functions and all items provided by the mobile
terminal 100. Further, although FIG. 6 shows image characteristic
such as color as the user interface information, the present
invention is not limited to these characteristics. That is, the
characteristics applied to the user interface information can
include at least one of image characteristics, audio
characteristics, text characteristics and data types.
[0119] For example, the user interface information can include
information on image characteristic including at least one of a
color, brightness, saturation, value and intensity. Furthermore,
the user interface information can include information on
background images corresponding to still images or moving images.
Moreover, the user interface information can include information on
audio profiles outputting audio data, and/or information on text
characteristics including at least one of fonts and colors.
[0120] Next, FIG. 7 is an overview of display screens showing the
user setting user interface information for the first SIM 171
according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this
embodiment, the user sets a "theme" for the user interface
information.
[0121] In more detail, and as shown in the display screen S170 in
FIG. 7(a), the user sets a specific theme for the first SIM 171
such that the specific theme is provided as a user interface for
the first SIM 171. In FIG. 7(a), the reference numeral 206 denotes
a currently selected user interface theme.
[0122] Also, when the user touches the region corresponding to
reference numeral 206, the controller 180 displays the display
screen S180 for selecting a theme as shown in FIG. 7(b). In
addition, the reference numeral 207 represents an icon serving as a
confirmation button for selecting the currently displayed
theme.
[0123] As shown in the display screen S180 in FIG. 7(b), the user
can scroll through different themes to be applied as user
interfaces for the first SIM 171. The reference numeral 208
represents a currently viewed theme (the user can select the icon
207 to set the theme 208 as the theme for the user interface).
[0124] As shown in FIG. 7(c), the controller 180 displays the
display screen S190 that includes more themes 209 the user can
select. That is, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the user can
scroll through different themes using a touch and drag operation or
using a flicking operation to view and select a particular theme
for the user interface information.
[0125] In addition, the theme can be a set of user interface
information, which has various objects to which the user interface
information will be applied and various attributes of the user
interface information. For example, a first theme can have a color
"red" and an audio file "first AUDIO.wav" as the user interface
information. A second theme can have a color "yellow" for a
function "message" and a color "dark yellow" for a function
"phonebook" as the user interface information.
[0126] In addition, the memory 160 stores the plurality of items
respectively related to the plurality of functions provided by the
mobile terminal 100. In more detail, the plurality of items can
include at least one of a file, a phonebook, a call history and a
message. Further, the file can include at least one of a text, a
still image and a moving image, the phonebook can have telephone
numbers and an address directory, the call history can include at
least one of an outgoing call log, an incoming call log and a
missed call log, and the message can include at least one of a
short message service (SMS) message, a multimedia messaging service
(MMS) message and an e-mail. The plurality of items can also
include at least one of a menu and an icon.
[0127] As described above, embodiments of the present invention
provide a user interface for a specific function and/or a specific
item provided by the mobile terminal 100 that is set using user
interface information corresponding to each user identification
module such that the user can easily recognize which user
identification module is related to the specific function and/or
the specific item.
[0128] Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention provide
various user interfaces such as video, audio and text and a
function of setting the user interfaces such that the user can set
a desired user interface for each user identification module. The
different embodiments of the present invention will now be
explained in more detail.
[0129] Discrimination between user Identification Modules According
to Image Characteristics
[0130] FIGS. 8a, 8b and 8c are overviews of display screens showing
the discrimination of user identification modules from each other
using image characteristics according to an embodiment of the
present invention. Further, in this embodiment, the memory 160 can
store a plurality of pieces of user interface information including
information on image characteristics having at least one of a
color, a brightness, a saturation, a value and an intensity. In
addition, each of the plurality of user identification modules
included in the mobile terminal 100 corresponds to one of the
plurality of pieces of user interface information and information
on the corresponding relationship is stored in the memory 160.
[0131] For example, in one embodiment, first user interface
information corresponds to the first SIM 171 and second user
interface information corresponds to the second SIM 172. The first
and second user interface information also has different image
characteristics. For example, the first user interface information
can include color information corresponding to "pink", and the
second user interface information can include color information
corresponding to "blue".
[0132] Thus, when a specific function and/or a specific item of the
mobile terminal 100 is output or provided, the controller 180 can
determine which one of the first SIM 171 and the second SIM 172 is
related to the function and/or the item. The controller 180 then
provides the function and/or the item or a related user interface
in the color "pink" when the function and/or the item is determined
to be related to the first SIM 171. The controller 180 can also
provide the function and/or the item or the related user interface
in the color "blue" when the function and/or the item is determined
to be related to the second SIM 172.
[0133] Further, as described above, the image characteristic can
include various items in addition to color. For example, the
controller 180 can discriminate between the plurality of user
identification modules using different brightnesses or values, for
example.
[0134] Turning now to FIG. 8a, which is an overview of a display
screen including a phonebook list. In FIG. 8a, the Item 1 211, Item
3 213 and Item 4 214 are items related to the first SIM 171 and the
Item 2 212, Item 5 215 and Item 6 216 are items related to the
second SIM 172. As shown in FIG. 8a, the items related to the first
SIM 171 and the items related to the second SIM 172 have different
image characteristics. Accordingly, the user can intuitively
recognize which item is related to which user identification
module.
[0135] Next, FIG. 8b is an overview of a display screen showing a
user calling a person named "Jane" by selecting a call button 223
or sending a message to "Jane" by selecting a message button 224.
The user can also select the telephone number of the first SIM 171
by selecting a first icon 221 and the telephone number of the
second SIM 172 by selecting a second icon 222. Further, the
controller 180 can display the first icon 221 for selecting the
first SIM 171 and the second icon 222 for selecting the second SIM
172 in different colors on the display 151.
[0136] Next, FIG. 8c is an overview of a display screen showing the
setting of the volume of reception bells when a call is received.
In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention,
the user can advantageously set the volume of a call reception bell
for a recipient corresponding to the telephone number of the first
SIM 171 to be different from the volume of a call reception bell
for a recipient corresponding to the telephone number of the second
SIM 172.
[0137] In more detail, as shown in FIG. 8c, the user can touch or
select a tab 231 to set a reception volume for calls corresponding
to the first SIM 171 or select a tab 232 to set a reception volume
for calls corresponding to the second SIM 172. The controller 180
can also display the tabs 231 and 232 in a color corresponding to
the color used for the interfaces of the two different SIM
cards.
[0138] Discrimination Between user Identification Modules According
to Background Images
[0139] FIGS. 9a and 9b are overviews of display screens showing
user identification modules being discriminated from each other
using different background images according to an embodiment of the
present invention. In more detail, in this embodiment, the user can
set user interface information having different background images
for a plurality of user identification modules.
[0140] For example, FIG. 9a illustrates a background image or
screen of a traveling train that is displayed when an incoming call
is received from the first SIM 171, and FIG. 9b illustrates a
background image or screen of a traveling car that is displayed
when an incoming call is received from the second SIM 172. Thus, as
shown FIGS. 9a and 9b, the background image is varied according to
the telephone number for which a call is received.
[0141] Therefore, the user can easily recognize which one of the
telephone numbers of the first SIM 171 and the second SIM 172
corresponds to the currently received call. Further, the background
image can include at least one of a still image, a moving image,
animation and flash, for example.
[0142] Discrimination Between user Identification Modules According
to Audio Profiles
[0143] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
user interface information having different audio profiles can be
set for a plurality of user identification modules. For example,
when the user touches the first tab 231 shown in FIG. 8c, the
controller 180 can output or play a file called "first AUDIO.wav"
through the audio output module 152. Similarly, when the user
touches the second tab 232, the controller 180 can output or play a
different file called "second AUDIO.wav" through the audio output
module 152. Thus, the user can recognize the currently activated
user identification module through audio information corresponding
to the user identification module.
[0144] Discrimination Between user Identification Modules According
to Text Characteristics
[0145] In yet another embodiment of the present invention,
different text characteristics including font and color can be
respectively set for the plurality of user identification modules.
For example, in FIG. 8a, the Item 1 211, Item 3 213 and Item 4 214
can be displayed in an "Italic" font, and the Item 2 212, Item 5
215 and Item 6 216 can be displayed in a "Gothic" font, for
example. Thus, the user can recognize which user identification
module is related to the currently provided function and item
through the font and/or color of the text corresponding to the
function and item.
[0146] In addition, the above described method for providing
different user interface information for different SIMS can be
written as computer programs and can be implemented in general-use
digital computers that execute the programs using a computer
readable recording medium.
[0147] The method can also be executed through software. That is,
code segments can be developed to perform the different features of
the present invention. The programs or code segments can also be
stored in a processor readable medium and transmitted according to
computer data signals combined with carriers in a transmission
medium or a communication network.
[0148] Further, the computer readable recording medium includes all
types of recording devices storing data readable by computer
systems. Examples of the computer readable recording medium include
ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, DVD.+-.ROM, DVD-RAM, magnetic tapes, floppy
disks, hard disks, and optical data storage devices. The computer
readable recording medium can also be distributed over network
coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is
stored and executed in a distributed fashion.
[0149] While the present invention has been particularly shown and
described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will
be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various
changes in form and details may be made therein without departing
from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by
the following claims.
* * * * *